Sortation conveyor and devices

Abstract

A linear actuator divert switch, a limited angle motor driven divert switch and a limited angle motor driven cross-over switch are provided for sortation conveyors. In addition conveying members of inverted substantially "U" shaped having spaced relatively hollow legs spanned by a bridge that is either hollow or not are also provided for sortation conveyors. A package diverter is formed with a cavity extending therethrough to surround the conveying member and so as to carry a divert/guide pin and cam follower part of which is disposed in the space between the conveying member legs to provide a relatively high positioning for divert/guide pin and cam follower with respect to the conveying members. Special lands extend out from the walls of the cavity to cock each package diverter on its conveying members in the direction of conveyor movement. The divert/guide pins are formed with a generally football shaped cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage thereof through the various switches.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (g) said switch means being disposed for movement through a space disposed between said first pin guide means and said second pin guide means; and   (h) a guide rail spanning said space to facilitate movement of the guide/divert pins along said first pathway.   
     
     
       2. The divert switch of claim 1, wherein said motive means comprises a linear actuator. 
     
     
       3. The divert switch of claim 2, wherein said linear actuator is pneumatic operated. 
     
     
       4. The divert switch of claim 3 wherein said linear actuator is bi-directional. 
     
     
       5. The divert switch of claim 4, wherein said linear actuator includes pneumatic valve means and at least an electrical coil for operating said valve means and energized with an energy pulse of a selected amount for a selected period. 
     
     
       6. The divert switch of claim 1, wherein the divert/guide pin means and cam follower means are carried by their respective package diverters so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       7. A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages toward and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;   (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said crossover switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;   (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;   (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (g) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof; and   (h) the conveying members being each of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration with each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross and with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means being carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.   
     
     
       8. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;   (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (m) the divert/guide pins each being formed with a football-like cross-section to facilitate passage through said switch means.   
     
     
       9. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;   (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (m) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration and each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.   
     
     
       10. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveyor path;   (g) a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track an disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide-associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path;   (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;   (i) a cross-over switch means;   (j) cross-over switch mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;   (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (m) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (n) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (o) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (p) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (q) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (r) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (s) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means.   
     
     
       11. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (f) motive means comprising a limited angle of movement motor coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       12. The divert switch of claim 11, wherein said motor is operated by direct current. 
     
     
       13. The divert switch of claim 12, wherein said motor is bi-directional. 
     
     
       14. The divert switch of claim 13, wherein said motor is actuated with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount. 
     
     
       15. The divert switch of claim 14, wherein a projection extends from said second pin guide means into a recess of said switch means. 
     
     
       16. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and into thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       17. The divert switch of claim 16 including bumper means disposed to coact with said switch means to arrest and soften the movement thereof. 
     
     
       18. The divert switch of claim 16, wherein the divert/guide pins are formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means. 
     
     
       19. The divert switch of claim 16, wherein the divert/guide pin means and cam follower means are carried by their respective package diverters so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       20. The divert switch of claim 16, wherein the conveying members are each of generally inverted "U" configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross and wherein at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extends into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member. 
     
     
       21. A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;   (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with the cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;   (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;   (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (g) motive means comprising a limited angle of movement motor, coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       22. The cross-over switch of claim 21, wherein said motor is operated by direct current. 
     
     
       23. The cross-over switch of claim 22, wherein said motor is bi-directional. 
     
     
       24. The cross-over switch of claim 23, wherein said motor is actuated with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount. 
     
     
       25. The cross-over switch of claim 24, wherein a projection extends from said second pin guide means into a recess of said switch means. 
     
     
       26. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveyor path;   (g) a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track an disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide-associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path;   (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;   (i) a cross-over switch means;   (j) cross-over switch mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;   (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said cross-over switch mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (m) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (n) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (o) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (p) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (q) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (r) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (s) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.   
     
     
       27. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (g) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means.   
     
     
       28. A cross-over switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into second and third conveying paths; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path and with a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages toward and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path, the first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location, the cross-over switch; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting cross-over switch means at the cross-over location;   (b) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said crossover switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (c) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (d) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;   (e) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;   (f) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (g) the divert/guide pins being formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means; and   (h) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       29. The cross-over switch of claim 28, including bumper means disposed to coact with said switch means to arrest and soften the movement thereof. 
     
     
       30. The cross-over switch of claim 28, wherein the divert/guide pin means and cam follower means are carried by their respective package diverters so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       31. A guide/divert pin for a sortation conveyor having a plurality of package conveying members with a plurality of package diverters each carried by one of said package conveying members and each configured to carry a guide/divert pin to facilitate movement of the package diverters as required by the sortation conveyor, each such guide/divert pin; comprising: (a) at least a guide/divert body;   (b) said guide/divert body having a non-cylindrical substantially football shaped cross-sectional configuration.   
     
     
       32. A guide/divert pin for a sortation conveyor having a plurality of package conveying members with a plurality of package diverters each carried by one of said package conveying members and each configured to carry a guide/divert pin to facilitate movement of the package diverters as required by the sortation conveyor, each such guide/divert pin; comprising: (a) at least a guide/divert body;   (b) said guide/divert body having a non-cylindrical substantially football shaped cross-sectional configuration including a relatively small radius at leading and trailing ends of the guide/divert pin.   
     
     
       33. The guide/divert pin of claim 32, wherein said guide/divert pin body includes sides that are formed to relatively larger radii than said leading and trailing ends. 
     
     
       34. The guide/divert pin of claim 33, wherein said leading and trailing ends and said sides are connected by lines of selected configuration. 
     
     
       35. The guide/divert pin of claim 34 wherein said lines of selected configuration are each arcuate. 
     
     
       36. The guide/divert pin of claim 35, wherein said arcuate lines are at radii which are relatively larger than those of said sides. 
     
     
       37. A slat-like article carrying and conveying member for a sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) body means of inverted outwardly facing substantially "U" shaped configuration of selected width and length; and   (b) said body means including a pair of spaced legs each of predetermined width and connected and spanned by a bridge of predetermined thickness;   (c) said space between said legs extending substantially the entire length of each such conveying member.   
     
     
       38. The conveying member of claim 37, wherein said space is of a size and configuration to receive at least part of the components of a package diverting device. 
     
     
       39. The conveying member of claim 38, wherein said space permits a relatively high disposition of said components of said package diverting device with respect to a center of the conveying member. 
     
     
       40. The conveying member of claim 37, wherein said legs and bridge are hollow. 
     
     
       41. The conveying member of claim 37, wherein said legs each include outside walls that taper inwardly from top and bottom thereof. 
     
     
       42. The conveying member of claim 41, wherein said bridge includes a selected number of ribs extending down into said space. 
     
     
       43. An article conveying member and package diverter assembly for a sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) conveying body means of substantially inverted "U" shaped configuration of selected width and length;   (b) said body mean including a pair of spaced legs each of predetermined width and connected and spanned by a bridge of predetermined thickness;   (c) package diverter means carried by said body means for sliding movement along said length thereof;   (d) said package diverter means including an opening extending therethrough of a size and configuration to closely surround said body means;   (e) a plurality of lands extending from a wall of said opening into said opening for coaction with a surface of said conveying means so that said package diverter means assumes a cocked disposition with respect to a predetermined surface of said conveying body means.   
     
     
       44. The assembly of claim 43, wherein said predetermined surface of said conveying means is an upper article carrying surface thereof and said package diverter means is cocked with respect thereto in the direction that said conveying body means would move when incorporated into a sortation conveyor. 
     
     
       45. The assembly of claim 44, wherein said lands extend down from a leading upper inner wall of said opening and extend up from a trailing lower wall of said opening. 
     
     
       46. The assembly of claim 45, including additional lands extending into said opening but not to the same extent as said lands that provide said cocked condition. 
     
     
       47. The assembly of claim 46, including a plurality of grooves with a groove disposed between said lands and said additional lands. 
     
     
       48. The assembly of claim 47, including guide/divert pin means carried by said package diverter means so that at least a portion thereof is disposed in said space between said legs. 
     
     
       49. The assembly of claim 48, including a cam follower carried by said guide/divert pin means. 
     
     
       50. The assembly of claim 49, wherein said guide/divert pin means includes a guide/divert pin that extends beneath said cam follower. 
     
     
       51. The assembly of claim 50, wherein said guide/divert pin is substantially football shaped in cross-section. 
     
     
       52. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into a second conveying path;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor;   (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (m) said switch means being disposed for movement through a space disposed between said first pin guide means and said second pin guide means; and   (n) a guide rail spanning said space to facilitate movement of the guide/divert pins along said first pathway.   
     
     
       53. The sortation conveyor of claim 52, wherein said linear actuator is pneumatic operated. 
     
     
       54. The sortation conveyor of claim 53, wherein said linear actuator is bi-directional. 
     
     
       55. The sortation conveyor of claim 52; including: (a) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from said first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;   (b) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along said first conveying path;   (c) a first divert track carried by the same frame means and extending from a position proximate one of the guide tracks and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the second conveying path;   (d) a second divert track carried by the frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor for the third conveying path;   (e) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;   (f) a cross-over switch means;   (g) mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;   (h) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the first divert track;   (i) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from the second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (j) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;   (k) switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;   (l) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (m) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       56. The sortation conveyor of claim 55, wherein the package diverters each include a cavity disposed within an underside thereof and said guide/divert pin means and cam follower means each include mounting means mounting an end thereof within said cavity and so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       57. The sortation conveyor of claim 10, wherein the package diverters each include a cavity disposed within an underside thereof and said guide/divert pin means and cam follower means each include mounting means mounting an end thereof within said cavity and so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       58. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to received guide/divert pins from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pins from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pins and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pins to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pins from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pins into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (g) the conveying members each being of generally inverted "U" shaped configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross with at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extending into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member.   
     
     
       59. A divert switch, for use with a sortation conveyor having a frame means and a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on the frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof, with at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path; each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom, with at least one guide track carried by the frame means and disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path and with at least one divert track carried by the frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate the guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means; comprising: (a) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (b) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (c) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (d) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;   (e) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a linear path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (f) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (g) said motive means comprising a bi-directional, pneumatically operated, linear actuator;   (h) said linear actuator including pneumatic valve means and at least a pair of electrical coils for operating said valve means, each of said coils being initially energized with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount.   
     
     
       60. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least one guide track carried by said frame means and disposed to coact with said guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) at least one divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means;   (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;   (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (l) motive means coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof;   (m) said motive means comprising a bi-directional, pneumatically operated, linear actuator;   (n) said linear actuator including pneumatic valve means and at least a pair of electrical coils for operating said valve means, each of said coils being initially energized with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount.   
     
     
       61. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least one divert or spur conveyor means extending from the first conveying path into a second conveying path;   (d) each conveying member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least one guide track carried by said frame means disposed to coact with the guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along the first conveying path;   (f) at least one divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate said guide track and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means;   (g) mounting means for mounting divert switch means proximate the position where the divert track extends from the guide track;   (h) first pin guide means carried by said mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (i) second pin guide means carried by said mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (j) switch means carried by said mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into said second pathway;   (k) switch mounting means mounting said switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (l) motive means, comprising a limited angle of movement motor coacting with said switch means to move said switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       62. The sortation conveyor of claim 61, wherein said motor is operated by direct current. 
     
     
       63. The sortation conveyor of claim 62, wherein said motor is bi-directional. 
     
     
       64. The sortation conveyor of claim 63, wherein said motor is actuated with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount. 
     
     
       65. The sortation conveyor of claim 61, wherein said switch means moves in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof. 
     
     
       66. The sortation conveyor of claim 65, wherein a projection extends from said second pin guide means into a recess of said switch means. 
     
     
       67. The sortation conveyor of claim 61 including bumper means disposed to coact with said switch means to arrest and soften the movement thereof. 
     
     
       68. The sortation conveyor of claim 61, wherein the divert/guide pins are formed with a football-like cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage through said switch means. 
     
     
       69. The sortation conveyor of claim 61, wherein the divert/guide pin means and cam follower means are carried by their respective package diverters so as to extend a relatively short distance therebelow. 
     
     
       70. The sortation conveyor of claim 61, wherein the conveying members are each of generally inverted "U" configuration each carrying a package diverter for sliding movement thereacross and wherein at least a portion of the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means carried by the package diverter extends into an opening between the legs of the "U" to provide a relatively high disposition for the guide/divert pin means and cam follower means with respect to a centerline through the conveying member. 
     
     
       71. A sortation conveyor; comprising: (a) a frame means;   (b) a plurality of conveying members disposed in an interconnected endless loop on said frame means and driven by drive means to convey packages along a first conveying path from an input end of the sortation conveyor towards an output end thereof;   (c) at least a pair of divert or spur conveyor means extending from first conveying path into second and third conveying paths;   (d) each conveying path member carrying a package diverter means each including a guide/divert pin means and cam follower means extending downwardly therefrom;   (e) at least a pair of guide tracks carried by the frame means and disposed proximate opposite sides thereof to coact with guide/divert pin means to guide package diverter means associated therewith along said first conveying path;   (f) a first divert track carried by said frame means and extending at a predetermined angle from a position proximate one of said guide tracks and disposed to coact with the cam follower pin means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto said divert or spur conveyor means for the second conveying path;   (g) a second divert track carried by said frame means and extending from a position proximate the other guide track and disposed to coact with cam follower means to guide associated package diverter means to direct packages towards and onto the divert or spur conveyor means for the third conveying path;   (h) said first and second divert tracks crossing at a cross-over location;   (i) cross-over switch means;   (j) mounting means for mounting said cross-over switch means at said cross-over location;   (k) first cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from said first divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a first pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with said first divert track;   (l) second cam follower guide means carried by said mounting means and disposed to coact with cam follower means from said second divert track and to direct such cam follower means and their associated package diverters through a second pathway through said cross-over switch means and back into coaction with the second divert track;   (m) said first cam follower guide means and said second cam follower guide means intersecting at a switch location;   (n) cross-over switch means carried by said mounting means at said switch location and having a first disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said first pathway and a second disposition permitting cam follower means to follow said second pathway;   (o) cross-over switch mounting means mounting said cross-over switch means for movement in an arcuate path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (p) divert mounting means for mounting each divert switch means proximate the position where the respective divert track extends from the guide track;   (q) first pin guide means carried by each said divert mounting means, disposed to receive guide/divert pin means from the respective guide track and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a respective first pathway through said divert switch means and back into the guide track;   (r) second pin guide means carried by each said divert mounting means and extending from said first pin guide means to receive guide/divert pin means from said first pin guide means and to direct such guide/divert pin means and their associated package diverter means through a respective second pathway through said divert switch means and thereafter their cam follower means into coaction with the divert track;   (s) divert switch means carried by each said divert mounting means where said second pin guide means extends from said first pin guide means and having a first disposition permitting guide/divert pin means to follow its respective first pathway and a second disposition preventing guide/divert pin means from following said first pathway through said divert switch means and directing the guide/divert pin means into either said second or said third pathways;   (t) divert switch mounting means for mounting a respective divert switch means for movement in a predetermined path between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof; and   (u) divert switch motive means coacting with said divert switch means to move said divert switch means between said first disposition thereof and said second disposition thereof.   
     
     
       72. The sortation conveyor of claim 71, wherein said motor is operated by direct current. 
     
     
       73. The sortation conveyor of claim 72, wherein said motor is bi-directional. 
     
     
       74. The sortation conveyor of claim 73, wherein said motor is actuated with an energy pulse of a first selected amount for a selected period and thereafter held by an energy pulse of a second selected amount that is less than said first selected amount. 
     
     
       75. The sortation conveyor of claim 74, wherein a projection extends from said second pin guide means into a recess of said switch means. 
     
     
       76. The sortation conveyor of claim 75, including bumper means disposed to coact with said switch means to arrest and soften the movement thereof.